19 February 2023

Books to Movies

 

​With World Book Day right around the corner we want help inspire everyone to bring their favourite tales to life and experience their own once upon a time. So come with us on our exciting journey through the pages, by following our Instagram and Facebook. Plus, if you want to see something truly magical, sign up to our newsletter, where as a bonus, you get a wonderful 15% off your next order!

How to Train Your Dragon

The adventures of our beloved Vikings with stubbornness issues were first brought to life by Cressida Cowell. In her 12-book series readers follow Hiccup on his journey as he goes from being an ordinary Viking boy to becoming a hero the hard way. And let us not forget what make these stories especially engrossing – Dragons! With their kindred spirits for adventure and particular personalities, these ferocious creatures provide perfect partners for our dragon riders! The wonderous journey the books take us on was immortalised in our memory in 2010 with the first How to Train Your Dragon animated film, leaving every kid dreaming of soaring above the clouds and exploring the world.

However, there are some noticeable differences between the two. In the books, Vikings had already very much incorporated dragons into their way of life, requiring everyone to complete the Dragon Initiation Programme to train their own dragon. Likewise, what many would be surprised to discover when they first read the books is that unlike in the movies, Toothless is a green Sea-dragon!

These powerful creatures of myth come in many forms. Available in sizes 3-7 Years, our red dragon costume can have children embrace their mischievous side, like Hookfang! Or in our green dragon costume, they could embody Toothless’ valour and caring. Whichever you decide, these detailed outfits and their embossed scales will have children embodying these proud dragons in no time. But don’t worry, with a detachable dragon tail, little ones won’t be as clumsy as Hookfang when playing with other!

Or, in Pretend To Bee’s Viking Outfits, available in sizes 5-11 years, children can dress up as their favourite Dragon rider. Whether they are inspired by Hiccup’s bravery, Astrid's confidence or Fishleg’s quick thinking, our detailed tunic and matching traditional trousers will do the trick! And, with the fierce horned Viking helmet, they’ll feel prepared to adventure across the Isle of Berk to find whatever quest awaits.

Alice in Wonderland

Daydreaming as a child has led each of us to explore fascinating imaginary worlds, but none so outlandish and captivating as Alice’s adventure through Wonderland. Published in 1865, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland mesmerizes young readers by turning logic on its head with bizarre riddles and consistently crazy characters. The curiosities of Wonderland have translated into the 1951 Disney movie and many more adaptations of this iconic book, keeping Alice in Wonderland high on our list of timeless classics.

One of the key characters which never fails to amuse everyone is the ambitious Queen of Hearts with her dedication to nonsensical etiquette. Available in sizes 3-7 years, the soft red velour of our Royal dress is fit for a queen, with the gold lace detailing giving kids the confidence to move swiftly and effortlessly - like a queen across a chess board. And to top it off, the ruby red gem at the centre of their sparkling gold crown will leave children with an air of opulence the Red Queen could only envy!

​In this Pretend to Bee dress up outfit, kids will be more than ready to attend one of the Mad Hatter’s tea parties and help everyone celebrate their unbirthday!

Peter Pan

As children we often wonder what it would be like to be carried away to a faraway land, well J.M. Barrie gave readers a look at what it would be like to never grow old and loose our childlike sense of wonder in Peter Pan. Inspired by the growing popularity of his 1904 theatre play, Barrie decided to publish the book version Peter Pan and Wendy in 1911, which follows our favourite mischievous character and the Darling children as they take on one of the most iconic fairy-tale villains – the malevolent Captain Hook! With its sense of adventure and magic it is no surprise that Disney chose this tale to inspire its 20^th film. But what is most heart-warming about this tale is not the storyline, but the fact that Barrie donated the rights for Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to help them build a new hospital wing.

With his love for games and giving Captain Hook a fright, Peter Pan is the character for kids with a love of fun. But unlike Peter, kids won’t be losing their shadow any time soon in one of Pretend to Bee’s costumes! Available in sizes 2-7 Years, little ones sure will feel the daring spirit of Peter Pan with them in this iconic green costume. Plus, the red feather detailing in the matching green hat will have kids feel like soaring through the air with delight off towards the second star to the right!

But if they would prefer to sail the high seas, they can find their sea legs imaging themselves as a Pirateaboard the Jolly Roger! In our Pirate Category you will find arrrgh awesome pirate costumes! The stripped pattern and the iconic pirate-eye patch of these outfits will really have kids ready to get all hand on deck in their pursuit of fun and play!

Or if they would prefer to be giving the orders, kids can imagine themselves as the leader of the pirates like the intelligent Captain Hook! Available in sizes 3-9 years Pretend to Bee’s Red Captain’s Coat and the matching Pirate Hat will have children bringing this determined character to life. And, to top it off, the white cravat will give kids the wicked charm that even Hook couldn’t rival!